Jannik Sinner Caught in Controversy: Trying to Imitate Roger Federer’s Approach was a Mistake

Rennae Stubbs Criticizes Sinner’s Remarks about the Six Kings Slam Exhibition in Riyadh

Rennae Stubbs, former coach of Serena Williams, has openly criticized Jannik Sinner’s recent statements about his participation in the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh. Sinner, currently ranked ATP No.1, claimed he did not go to Riyadh for the money but to compete against top players. However, his comments sparked a wave of debate among fans, media, and players, with many questioning his motives.

On her Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, Stubbs argued that Sinner’s attempt to be politically correct, similar to Roger Federer, felt disingenuous. Stubbs expressed that players should be more transparent, referencing Carlos Alcaraz’s honesty about participating for the prize money:

“Listen, Jannik, I love you, but man, there’s no way you’re adding an exhibition like that to your schedule. Just like Carlos Alcaraz said: ‘Of course I went to Saudi Arabia for the money.'”

Stubbs feels that, instead of aiming to emulate Federer’s diplomatic approach, Sinner could have simply admitted that the lucrative prize money was part of his motivation.

Sinner’s Remarks and the Backlash

At the end of the Riyadh exhibition, Sinner commented:

“It is a nice prize obviously, but I went there because there were the six best players in the world. I don’t play for money, it’s simple.”

These words ignited further criticism, with many arguing that if he only wanted competition, he could have played the Paris Rolex Masters to gain ranking points and prepare for the ATP Finals.

In response, Stubbs emphasized that “There has only been one Roger Federer, and there will always be only one.” She suggested that aspiring to imitate Federer’s image can come across as “cloying” and unnecessary.

Alcaraz’s Honest Take on Exhibition Motivations

During the Media Day at the Paris-Bercy Masters 1000, Carlos Alcaraz was asked about Sinner’s motivations for participating in the Six Kings Slam. The young Spaniard’s response was candid:

“If I said I went there just to have fun or to play without thinking about money, I’d be lying. That’s how life works… I love playing tennis, but you have to be realistic. In Saudi Arabia, there was the highest prize money in history, so it was a good motivation. At least for me.”

Alcaraz’s straightforward admission resonated with fans and players alike, contrasting with the ambiguity in Sinner’s statements.

Reflecting on the Debate

This ongoing discussion has highlighted the complex motivations behind players’ participation in high-stakes exhibition events. For Sinner, a talented player with ambitions beyond financial gains, his choice to focus on competition is understandable. However, for events like Riyadh, where the prize pool is unprecedented, it is challenging to ignore the financial lure entirely.